PS and Democrats Strike a Deal to Form United Opposition Bloc

Bratislava, 15 November (TASR) – The pre-election cooperation between opposition's Progressive Slovakia (PS) and non-parliamentary party Democrats is taking shape as a coalition, leaders of both parties, Michal Simecka (PS) and Jaroslav Nad (Democrats), announced at a press conference on Sunday. Building on the previous cooperation at regional level, the agreement is aimed to create a united opposition bloc, with an eye toward preventing the loss of votes. The deal has been approved by the leadership bodies of both parties and, according to their respective leaders, internal polling shows that an overwhelming majority of PS and Democrats voters support the alliance. "Our ambition is to win next year's parliamentary election and form a strong, effective government that will deliver economic growth, improve living standards and bring Slovakia back to Europe's pro-democratic values," Simecka declared. The alliance is also intended to allow both parties to retain their individual identities. "After the election, we will operate independently, as partners, but independently," the PS leader underlined. Simecka will head the joint candidate list, with Nad set to occupy the highest-ranking position allocated to the Democrats. The ratio of candidates on the list will be four to one in favour of PS. The final arrangement is still subject to negotiations. "This is also to allow time for other parties to join us, should they wish to do so," Simecka added. Democrats chair Jaroslav Nad said the pre-election coalition was clear evidence of a genuine commitment to opposition cooperation. "We have reached a fair agreement with PS, the result of responsible negotiations and a shared conviction that we must join forces to ensure the victory of democratic forces in the parliamentary election," he said. He also declared his ambition to win the election. At the same time, he warned that he expected a negative campaign and attacks aimed at undermining the agreed cooperation. "It cannot be ruled out that these will also come from within the opposition," he warned. Both party leaders also called for broader unity among opposition forces, expressing hope that this might manifest at a rally on 17 November. mf